"You don't have to explain. I understand even to the extent you can't imagine."
Shikera frowned, astonished at that unexpected statement from Grandma Cooper.
Since Grandma Cooper was asleep when she arrived in the afternoon, she had to wait until the old woman woke up at night before speaking to her. Shikera had wanted to broach the topic of her going to the hospital for treatment, but Grandma Cooper had been ahead of her by asking about Mignon first.
Slowly, Shikera had explained everything to her with a downcast expression. She told her the real reason why she had escaped to this island from the city, and why she had hesitated in telling Mignon about her family upon recognizing her. Grandma Mignon had been evidently shocked but she soon regained herself and asked,
"Then, you didn't escape because your life was in danger? And your family and friends have been supportive of you all this while?" Grandma Cooper had asked.